Senior benefits in Morton County, Kansas

The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SWKAAA) serves older Kansans and people with disabilities in Morton County and 27 other counties in southwest Kansas. Its services include case management, help paying for in-home care (such as personal care, homemaker, respite and chore services), information and assistance, free Medicare counseling (SHICK), caregiver support, and Friendship Meals at meal sites or delivered to people who are homebound. Friendship Meals are for people 60 and older and their spouses. SWKAAA also does the CARE assessment that everyone must have before entering a nursing home. SWKAAA's resource list for Morton County names local senior centers such as Elkhart Senior Center and Rolla Senior Center. Call the main office in Dodge City at 620-225-8230 (toll free 1-800-742-9531), Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Estimated service value: $200–$2,000 a year

Morton County is in the Southwest Region of the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Service centers in DCF's Southwest Region include Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend and Liberal. Through DCF you can apply for SNAP Food Assistance, TANF Cash Assistance and LIEAP Energy Assistance. Applying online through the DCF Self-Service Portal is recommended. For a paper application, visit your local DCF office or call 1-888-369-4777. LIEAP helps pay winter heating costs and is open only during its yearly application period. KanCare health coverage is not handled by DCF; apply for it through the KanCare Self-Service Portal.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

Morton County Health System in Elkhart gives care free or at a reduced rate to eligible patients who meet the federal poverty guidelines and are not eligible for state Medicaid. Help is based on total income, family size and ability to pay. If your income is at or below the federal poverty guideline, you may get a 100% discount. You must first use all insurance, Medicare, Medicaid or other payment sources, and show proof of a Medicaid denial or approval if you might qualify. Return the application and your documents within 14 business days. Questions: call 620-697-2141.

Estimated bill savings: about $0 a year

The Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging lists Elkhart Senior Center in Elkhart as a local transportation provider for Morton County. Call 620-697-2322 to ask about rides for older adults, how to schedule a trip, and any fare. Rides may need to be booked ahead, and service hours are set by the provider.

Estimated service value: $150–$1,500 a year